Originally Posted by
DeadENDjob
So this is one of the crystal ball questions, but I am looking for any input from current OO guys. As someone with a current offer from another regional and an interview scheduled in a week at Skywest, what do you all think about the forward looking stability of OO? I heard they lost a recently 175 bid to Compass, rumors of Mesa taking more of the PHX flying back. Right now they are obviously hiring like crazy to cover attrition, upgrades, and growth. Is anyone familiar with contracts that might be coming up for renewal anytime soon. Despite all of the "Shortage" news, I'm trying to predict the probability of the growth continuing. Just looking for as much stability as possible in a regional (I know, there isn't much).
I don't think SkyWest ever expected to win the bid, it's no secret we aren't the lowest cost. Compass is cheap as they virtually have no assets and very low crew costs thanks to the flow. First, this year there are 10 200s and 10 700s coming off contract for United, safe to say the 700s aren't going anywhere. The US contract does end in 2015, and I think its beginning of the year. That's 14 airplanes, 10 being 200's. The 4 900's will certainly find a home, if the contract is not renewed. There are also 10 200's and 31 700's that come off contract with United in 2015... it's possible they extend these 700's or replace them with 175's. Other than that, its just a few 200's here and there that come off contract until 2018 when a majority of the 700/900 contracts come up.
SkyWest has a lot of aircraft on order. AA still needs to find a home for its 700 flying... Alaska is shopping for Q replacements. Just saying... this place has some tricks up its sleeve.